Android Gets a Beating from Apple

The release of the iPhone 5 has helped increase the presence of Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS in the U.S., even taking it beyond Google’s (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android, according to a new report. In the past 12 weeks, Apple’s mobile operating system has grown to now make up 48.1 percent of the U.S. smartphone market, just ahead of Android at 46.7 percent, Kantar Worldpanel said in a report on Tuesday.

How Did Apple Overtake the Otherwise-Rampant Android?

“The last time we saw iOS overtake Android in the U.S. was when the iPhone 4S was released and Apple managed to retain its lead for three consecutive periods,” Kantar’s Dominic Sunnebo said in a statement. “This time we predict that Apple will beat its previous high of 49.3 percent and achieve its highest ever share of the U.S. smartphone market within the next two periods.”

Android remains the platform of choice in Europe and made up 73.9 percent of sales in Germany and 81.7 percent of sales in Spain, Kantar said. Italy, meanwhile, displayed unmatched interest in the Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Nokia (NYSE:NOK) partnership by buying the Lumia 610 and Lumia 800 to take the Windows Phone share to 11.7 percent in the country.

CHEAT SHEET Analysis: Excellent Relative Performance Versus Peers

While the statistics do not showcase a runaway lead from Apple over its rivals, overtaking Android, which is used in the devices of its biggest rival, Samsung, is a big confidence boost for Apple and its investors. According to the report while about 62 percent of iPhone 5 buyers were existing iPhone owners who upgraded, about 13 percent gave up an Android phone to convert, 6 percent got rid of their Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) BlackBerrys, and a few were first-time smartphone buyers. “An impressive 92 percent of existing Apple owners in the U.S. said they will choose an iPhone the next time they upgrade,” Sunnebo added.

What Do the Statistics Mean for Apple’s Stock?

Any news of high sales of the iPhone 5 come as manna for Apple, whose stock has struggled on worries of the company not being able to meet the demand for its new smartphone.